Oh Hey, Friday

It's Superbowl weekend!  We are planning on another Saturday of skiing followed by a lazy Sunday watching football.  This is quickly becoming my favorite kind of weekend!  Here's my (sometimes) weekly five...  As always, thanks to Karli for hosting.

-ONE-
Come this time of year, I'm always a bit envious of the adorable girl clothing full of hearts & everything pink!  It's rare to find anything fun for the boys that makes Valentine's Day a bit more dreamy.  However, I searched & I searched and I'm pretty smitten with these leggings!  Definitely gender neutral and perfect for a bit of February fun!

-TWO-

If you're far-too-masculine, not-so-hipster boy doesn't rock the leggings too well, then I am also loving these jammies!  Subtle enough that they could be worn all year long!  I want a pair for Liam, but Hanna Anderson's shipping is just ridiculous!

-THREE-
I am on the hunt for a "wake up" clock for Liam...  Right now he knows that we stay in bed at least until the sun comes up; however, the sun is only going to start coming up earlier & earlier.  And this mama just doesn't rise before 7:30 am.  So, tell me which clock is the way to go!  I was considering this bunny one, but I'd rather hear what is working for other families... Enlighten me!

-FOUR-
Jamba Juice just came out with a new smoothie, Greens 'n Ginger, and it is absolutely amazing!  I wish they had this little sip of heaven during my first trimester!  The ginger is strong and would definitely settle an upset stomach!  All pregnant women, run to your nearest Jamba!

-FIVE-
We have been on the hunt for a accent chair to add to our family room for awhile, and I have finally decided on one that I just love!  This one is practically a steal at just $500 (relatively speaking); however, I don't see myself every wanting to drop that kind of cash on a chair.  Ever.  So our family room will continue on...chairless...

TGIF friends! And go Seahawks!

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My Favorite Things: 2 1/2 Years

I haven't done a "favorite things" post since Liam was 2, so here is an updated version of the things that he is particularly pumped about these days!  Puzzles & books still reign supreme in our house, but I left them off for fear of boring you all with same ol'.  And with Valentine's Day & Easter just around the corner, this will serve as the perfect gift guide for all those little ones in toddler land!

1. Hape Memory Game : This is the first game that we have really sat down & played as a family.  Such fun evenings with this little set.  I like that's wooden (don't I always), and that it is a smaller than a typical set.  Not to mention the pictures are beautiful!  The perfect beginning to the wonderful world that is memory!
2. Melissa & Doug Stamp Set : Stamps are messy, but oh boy do these keep Liam occupied!    3. Hape Park and Go Garage :  Santa brought this, and Liam is obsessed!  Overhearing his pretend play is one of the best parts of my day.  It has ramps, an elevator, a gas station, & a helicopter pad.  It's amazing, and high quality ('cause dare I say it...wooden)!
4. Janod Circus Train :  This is the new hot train on the track!  We use this on Liam's IKEA set, which it fits on perfectly.  The giraffe is a bit on the tall side, so no tunnels on the track when he's in use but we make do!  This is by far my favorite toy brand, so really you should check out all their goodies! 5. ALEX Bath Hoops :  We bathe Liam every night, so bath toys need to be constantly mixed up!  This is our newest addition and it has made our nightly routine a bit wetter & louder, but far more fun!  Plus, I like to think it's helping with his game... We will have perfected the alley oop in no time!
6.  Hunter First Classic Rain Boots :  Liam is quite the puddle jumper!  And I am far more inclined to let him really get after it when he's actually wearing rain boots!  Plus, he can pull these on by himself!  Liam's favorite shoes, & I like the twinning opportunities! :-)
Happy shopping/gifting!

I Love...

Last week Liam turned 2 1/2!  While we didn't celebrate (although we may be due for a trip to the cupcake shop this week), it still feels like a big milestone.  He now can hold a full on conversation with us, which has just bumped into best friend status.  I so enjoy spending all my time with him, listening to his stories, & watching him transform into this young boy who I continue to fall more in love with!  He are a few of the sweet things that make our little Lamb so special.

I love...
...that his best kitchen skills are orange & garlic peeling. ...how he smacks his lips together just before he finally drifts off to sleep. ...his fierce hugs & kisses...for everybody.  (We are starting to work on personal space) ...that he doesn't like his food hot.  Not even warm, or remotely warm.  Lukewarm at best. ...how since Christmas, all deer are now reindeer. ...the little fork marks that are now permanently a part of my dining room table.   (Maybe I don't love this, but I'm sure when he has left for college I will look back at my marked up table with fond memories) ... his deep & loud belly laugh that is so contagious. ...how his obsession with all vehicles (especially emergency vehicles) has turned me into an ambulance chaser.

He is pretty much amazing!    We are looking forward to seeing our sweet boy as a big brother soon!

26 Weeks (Bump #2)

Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs.  Wow that feels like a big number!  Although really I'm only up 10 lbs from my healthy (normal) weight, and I'm trailing my pregnancy with Liam by 4 lbs (scale wise) so I feel great about that!

Symptoms: Feeling pretty great.  I continue to be amazed at how low I am carrying this baby, which does come with a few not so great symptoms but nothing terrible.  My hips tend ache a bit, but that's typically on the days when I'm overly active.

Movement:  I have hit that stage where he seems to be moving constantly.  I love those little reminders that he is growing strong and always with me.  He can kick very low, which is quite the interesting feeling.

Maternity Clothes:  I finally purchased some maternity workout clothes, and oh how I wish I wouldn't have waited so long!  All the stuff I found out Target seemed really cheap and did not fit me well at all, but surprisingly my Old Navy purchases were perfect!  I bought two of these tanks & a pair of these pants.  I ordered in my pre-pregnancy size, and everything fits great!  Plus who can beat those prices!

Food Cravings/Aversions:  Unfortunately meat is slowly on its way to becoming an aversion again.  And fruit is at the top of my cravings list.  I could not get enough grapefruit this week!

Staying Active?  So happy to still be running for another week!  I fit in 3 runs (all were 3.25 miles at a 10 minute mile pace).  I'm sure those details bore all of you, but it's specific stats that I love to look back on!  I am loving my Gabrialla Support Belt!  I bought a size medium, and I think that will be perfect for the rest of my pregnancy.  It has made such a difference during my workouts, and may even be something that I wear on days when my back & hips are really hurting.

Cries: 1.  This is ridiculous, but I'm going to share anyways.  I sent Conor to Costco for a bunch of things, a pack of TUMS included.  He came back with some Kirkland Signature Brand piece-of-shit-want-to-be-TUMS!  This upset me, but I held it together and told my pregnant self that surely they would taste just like my beloved TUMS.  I held off on even trying them for a few days, instead just dealing with some subtle heartburn on my own.  Then I had to give in one night...I tried them... Then I almost threw up!  Terrible!  Absolute garbage!  Tears instantly welled up.  And holy emotional me!  Apparently I am sensitive about all things my TUMS!

Birth Plan: Still haven't contacted any doulas; it's still on the to-do list.  However, I am excited to start reading Birthing from Within which I have heard so many wonderful things about.  I read a lot of great literature about natural birth when I was pregnant with Liam, but I wanted some new material this time.  I'm hoping this read will boost my confidence a bit!

26 week bumpdate with baby #1

Five on Friday

This week just flew by; I can't believe Friday is here!  I took Liam up skiing twice, and his skills are already impressive!  What's also impressive is me finagling a way into my snow pants and figuring out how to keep them up; this belly of mine is not holding me back!  I'm hoping to get Conor up on the mountain with us this weekend, so he can beam with pride watching Liam right along with me!  Here's my (sometimes) weekly five...  As always, thanks to all the lovely hosts: Christina, Darci, April, & Natasha!

 

-ONE-
Julie posted about this book, You Were the First, on IG, and I couldn't purchase it quick enough!  At first I thought it would be part of his "big brother" gift, then I thought it would be fun to have it sooner, so I was going to give it to him on Valentine's Day... But it arrived, and I couldn't wait to read it with him, so it was a "just because" present and those are the best!  The illustrations are beautiful, as is the story!  I only wish there was a page about nursing a baby for the first time.  Definitely a perfect gift for anyone expecting baby #2!

-TWO-

For Two Fitness is having a 35% off sale right now (use code SWEATINGFORTWO)!  I'm snagging myself a "running for two" tank, since I am in desperate need of some maternity workout gear!  The belly-hanging-out-while-I-run look is just getting more & more ridiculous by the day!

-THREE-
So the girl scouts are making the rounds...  I was caught by total surprise a few days ago when one adorable little girl showed up on my porch asking if I wanted to order some cookies...  I wanted to shout "GIVE ME ALL THE COOKIES!!!"  Then I realized she had no cookies with her, that this was strictly the ordering time.  After the initial disappointment faded, I ordered.  I would like it known that I only signed up for 3 boxes, but only because I know that I'm going to impulse buy some every time I see a girl scout outside the grocery store.  So, yay for Girl Scout cookie season (however, I am told that I will have to wait until March for the actual cookies)!

-FOUR-
Meyer lemons are everywhere right now, so I scoured Pinterest for a fun new recipe.  I think I have settled on making these meyer lemon bars.  Interestingly, I'm not really sure that I even like lemon bars... but pregnancy does strange things to you, and right now I think they may just hit the spot!

-FIVE-
Everyone seems to be home brewing these days, but beer is not my thing.  Don't like it one bit!  However, hard cider is my love language!  And recently I discovered that there are home kits for that too!  Once Spring is here and I'm no longer pregnant, I think I may just have to give this Hard Cider Home Brew a try!

TGIF friends!

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Salt Lake City Eats

Now that we have officially lived in Utah for over two years, I think it's time I shared some of my favorite spots!  I had fun putting together a similar post about Seattle, plus my pregnancy cravings have me thinking about food all the time, so here we go!  Conor & I try to eat local as much as possible, so we are always asking for recommendations and checking out new places.  Here's a little sampling of our go-to places.  Mark these down for your next visit to SLC!
- The Copper Onion -  (Downtown)

This chic little spot has a farm to table type menu that is small and seasonally changing.  What you really come for is the homemade pasta, particularly the beef stroganoff!  Sounds like a strange choice when dining out, but you will not be disappointed!
- The Park Cafe - (Liberty Park)

By far, my favorite breakfast joint!  It has a bit of a hipster feel that reminds me so much of Seattle!  This place is always packed, so there is usually a short wait which is well worth it!  And you cannot beat the prices here, it's absolutely ridiculous!  I'm all about the French Toast Foolishness, which you must top with their homemade fruit preserves...to not do so would be foolish!  The spiced chai is also a favorite, although a bit on the sweeter side!  I also love that it is right across the street from Liberty Park, making for an entire morning of fun!
- Saturday's Waffle - (Holladay)

Best food truck ever!  However, you can only get these amazing waffles on Saturday.  Well actually, sometimes they show up to various events... But still, the limited availability just makes you crave them!  Conor usually goes with the Benny (eggs benedict on a waffle) while I prefer maple bacon or bananas foster.  Too many choices to ever decide!
- Takashi - (Downtown)

At first you may be a little skeptical of getting sushi is such a land locked state, but this spot delivers! I love the fun atmosphere and all the different roll options!  Many of their combinations are quite different than I have seen elsewhere...  Mint on my sushi?!  Yes please!
- Log Haven - (Mill Creek Canyon)

I have actually only been here once, but I plan to keep going back!  Well, at least if our bank account allows it!  This restaurant is tucked away in the mountains in a beautiful historic log mansion!  There is no cell service which makes your evening truly feel like a little getaway.  It was such a cozy evening spent with Conor, I couldn't get enough of the place.  The service was impeccable and the food amazing!  Definitely a romantic spot that is not to be missed!  
And now I need to go eat...  I think the french toast is calling my name again!

The 12th Man

Whoa, that was quite the game on Sunday!  Liam & I snoozed through the first half (we didn't miss much), but were up for all the excitement in the second half and overtime!  On game days, Liam loves putting on his Russell Wilson jersey (just like Daddy's) and his game face!  I love his spontaneous "Go Seahawks" or sometimes just "go football"!  Sunday was a beautifully sunny day, so we took the opportunity to play around outside before nap time!

12th Man Sweatshirt
Liam's coordination is always improving, and I would say that we are close to actually being able to play "catch"!  At least his catching is far better than his throwing.... I'm not sure we have a future quarter back among us, but perhaps it is too early to tell!  He loves watching Conor & I throw the ball around, and every once in awhile Liam will hike it!

He is at that perfect age where he loves learning new things and is incredibly impressionable!  Right now we are trying to slowly introduce him to a variety of sports, so we can see where his skills & interests lie.  Sports were such a huge part of both Conor & my childhoods, so we want those same experiences for Liam.  Please please please let our child be athletic!!!  Just this winter we've already taken him ice skating and gotten him on a pair of skis!  He obviously loves football and has recently gotten into basketball as well.  He has a small nerf hoop (and one in the tub too), but I think this Spring we will be upgrade to the real deal!  We have an RV pad on the side of our house that will be perfect for Liam's first basketball hoop!  He'll be starting some pick up games before we know it!

Although we are still a few years off, I am so excited to get Liam in organized sports!  I started in 1st grade and loved it!  My parents frequently coached my teams in the early years, which is something I really hope to be able to do for my kids as well!  It's fun to imagine the little athlete that Liam will become and see what he truly excels at!  We need to start grooming him now, so he can show Finn the ways once he is walking...

Liam will rocking all of his Seahawks gear for the next two weeks  as we prepare for the Super Bowl again!!! Go Hawks!

25 Weeks (Bump #2)

That cellphone in my back pocket is doing nothing for my butt...

Total Weight Gain: 17 lbs.  I lost one this week!

Symptoms: I did not feel well this week.  Finn definitely had a growth spurt and was possibly even lying traverse for a couple days.  I'm doing much better now though and hope it continues!

Nesting?  Knocked two small organizing projects off the list last weekend.  I'm hoping for more of the same this week.  I need to put together an actual to-do list, so my little OCD mind can be put to ease a bit.

Movement:  I'm starting to be able to feel what is head/butt vs. foot/hand.  Finn tends to be mostly on the right side of my belly, while Liam preferred the left.  And he gets hiccups all the time, which is just so fun!

Nursery Progress:  Hoping to call the contractor this week to get an estimate on removing a door.  Next will be deciding on a paint color and wall decals.

Food Cravings/Aversions:  Still really into any and all sweets & fruit!

Staying Active?  Yep, and it felt really good this week!  I am officially running longer into this pregnancy than I did with Liam.  That feels like a huge accomplishment!  I'm not sure if it's the shorter distance (albeit faster pace) that is allowing my body to continue, but I'm pleased!  Once I put my  new support belt to use this week, I'll let you all know my thoughts on it!

Cries: 0.  Sometimes I surprise myself and actually hold it together!

Liam's Thoughts:  We've talking a lot about how we will move his playroom to the "huge" room downstairs, and it will instead become baby Finn's room.  Liam will also be getting a new bed & dresser so that his old furniture will go into the new nursery.  However, Liam insists that he will be sleeping in the crib with the baby.  So sweet!  And funny since Liam never slept in his crib much, and I don't anticipate that this baby will either.

Birth Plan:  Thanks to all for your sweet comments about Liam's birth and planning ahead for this next one!  I really need to start interviewing doulas, but somehow keep putting it off.  Apparently I really need to get going on that to-do list...

Best Moment This Week:  Liam feeling Finn kick!  He smiled, laughed, and loved every second!  It was by far the cutest big brother moment we have had yet!

25 week bumpdate with baby #1

Five on Friday

It was a long week, what with Liam finally catching the stomach flu and being a bit under the weather myself.  But Friday is here, and it's book club Friday!  The rest of weekend will include more nesting and another (hopeful) Seahawks victory!  Here's my (sometimes) weekly five...  As always, thanks to all the lovely hosts: Christina, Darci, April, & Natasha!

 

-ONE-
Jessica posted about these earrings this week, and I couldn't have snatched a pair for myself quick enough!  They look just like the Kate Spade ones that are every where right now, but for only $8!!!

-TWO-

I recently discovered the Etsy shop sweet pea & boy, and I am loving all their Seattle apparel for babies & toddlers!  If you are local (or simply love Seattle), check it out!

-THREE-
I have been wanting to try essential oils for awhile now, and then Conor got me the doterra intro kit for Christmas!  Now I feel the need to know EVERYTHING about EOs... So, those of you that are into them, tell me all your secrets!

-FOUR-
I already shared this on IG last week, but I just can't get enough of my toddler in a scarf!  I have no words!  I feel the need to stock up on these now!  I won't share the shop where I bought this one, since the quality isn't all that great.  I'm currently on the hunt for a new place to buy some, or I may bust out the sewing machine and make a few of my own.  I can only imagine all the different fabric choices...

-FIVE-
Our book club selection this month is Some Luck.  It's the first in a pre-planned trilogy and is multi-generational, which I love!  Highly recommend!

TGIF friends!

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